Types Of Bone Fractures

Fracture

Partial or complete break in the bone. Classified as either open or closed.

Open Fracture/Compound Fracture

The bone exits and is visible through the skin, or a deep wound that exposes the bone through the skin.

Closed Fracture/Simple Fracture

The bone is broken, but the skin is intact.

Greenstick Fracture

Incomplete fracture. The broken bone is not completely separated.

Transverse Fracture

The break is in a straight line across the bone.

Spiral Fracture

The break spirals around the bone; common in a twisting injury.

Oblique Fracture

Diagonal break across the bone.

Compression Fracture

The bone is crushed, causing the broken bone to be wider or flatter in appearance.

Comminuted Fracture

A fracture in which the bone fragments into several pieces.

Impacted Fracture/Buckle Fracture

A fracture in which the ends are driven into each other.

Pathologic Fracture

A fracture caused by a disease that weakens the bones.

Stress Fracture

Tiny cracks in a bone. Stress fractures are caused by repetitive application of force, often by overuse.